SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has rolled out a significant new policy compelling all pensioners to undergo an SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal to guarantee the continued receipt of their monthly benefits. This mandatory renewal policy is set to take effect from April 2026 and will impact over 257,000 pensioners across Ghana.
The SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal policy is a decisive action intended to achieve two primary objectives: to protect pensioners’ financial benefits while they are alive and to ensure the timely cessation of payments upon their passing, thereby safeguarding the public purse.
Why the Change? Protecting Beneficiaries and the Public Purse
The new policy marks a significant departure from the previous regime. Previously, pensioners were only validated after 12 years, specifically at age 72 under the old Social Security Law, 1991 (PNDC Law 247), or 75 under the new National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766).
Speaking at the launch in Accra, Frank Molbila, the General Manager of SSNIT in charge of Benefits, explained the necessity of the yearly renewal. He stressed that asking every pensioner to go through the certificate renewal annually remains “very beneficial to pensioners”.
The key reason for this revision is simple: to protect the benefits of the pensioner while alive, and equally important, to protect their nominated beneficiaries when they are no more.
Mr. Molbila elaborated on the challenges faced under the old system, noting that when processing survivor benefits, SSNIT often discovers that pensioners who are not yet 72 or 75 may have passed away a long time ago without the Trust being notified.
“When SSNIT was not notified of the death, we will continue to pay the pensions without knowing who will be collecting the money,” he said. This continuation of payments after death poses a major risk to public funds.
By making the SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal mandatory, the Trust can ensure that payments are only made to deserving recipients and that the money goes to the validly nominated persons when the pensioner is deceased.
The Consequences of Failing to Renew
Mr. Molbila delivered a clear warning regarding non-compliance. Pensioners who fail to renew their certificates beyond the ages of 72 or 75 years will be deemed to be deceased.
Consequently, their names will be deleted from the pension payroll. This stern measure underlines the critical nature of the SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal process.
Ultimately, the revised policy aims to strengthen the integrity of the pension payroll, safeguard contributor funds, and ensure accurate pension records are maintained.
Flexible Renewal Channels for the SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal
Recognizing the potential for difficulty among its older members, SSNIT has prioritized flexibility and accessibility in the renewal process. The renewal must be completed annually during the pensioner’s birth month.
SSNIT has provided multiple flexible channels for the SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal, ensuring that all pensioners, including those with mobility issues, can comply:
- SSNIT Mobile App: This channel employs facial verification technology and is available for both resident and non-resident pensioners. This is the most efficient digital route.
- Virtual Branch: The use of SSNIT’s online virtual branch allows pensioners to complete the process remotely.
- Partner Banks: Renewal can be done at selected GCB Bank and Ecobank branches. (For up-to-date information on participating branches, pensioners should consult the official SSNIT website).
- SSNIT Branches: All 53 SSNIT branches nationwide are equipped to handle the renewal.
Support for Mobility Challenges and Policy Clarification
For pensioners facing mobility challenges, SSNIT has made special arrangements for home visits. Such pensioners are kindly asked to call the SSNIT contact centre at 0302 611 622 to schedule a home visit for the certificate renewal. SSNIT emphasizes that this commitment is to ensure no one is left behind.
Furthermore, SSNIT has established a proactive communication strategy. The Trust will send reminders to each pensioner at least one month before their birth month to facilitate compliance.
Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits, Adam Sulley, clarified that this detailed guidance on the SSNIT Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal was crucial. He noted that an earlier public notice had caused some confusion regarding the timelines and process.
“We recognise that parts of that notice caused confusion for some pensioners and stakeholders regarding the timelines and the renewal process,” he stated, adding that the aim is to ensure every pensioner knows exactly what to do. The team remains available to guide members through the process and ensure a smooth transition to this essential new policy.
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